WIFE PROMISES NOT TO NAG

Evening Star, Issue 22414, 11 August 1936, Page 11

WIFE PROMISES NOT TO NAG

A remarkable marriage contract, in which a bride promised never to “ nag ” her husband, was read to the Kingston-on-Thames Bench recently, says the ‘ Daily Telegraph.’ Mrs Diane Mary Cummings (23) applied for a separation and maintenance order, on the grounds of persistent cruelty, against her husband, Sydney ■Edward Cummings. Mr Salter Nichols, for Mrs Cummings, said that the couple were married in August, 1934. Four days before the wedding Cummings told his future wife that it would be necessary for her to sign the following document; — “ I, Diane Mary Beard, undertake by marrying S. E. Cummings never to nag or annoy, or be suspicious of the said S. E. Cummings, and always to obey him. I also agree not to accept alimony or monetary consideration or property in the event of separation or divorce.” Mr Nichols stated that any thwarting or displeasing of the husband had been met with cuffs and blows. In a code of conduct which Cummings had laid down for his wife he restricted her to four cigarettes per week and refused fo allow her to use lipstick. Mrs Cummings gave evidence that her husband struck her on several occasions—once when she confessed that she had been using lipstick. Cross-examined by Mr Compton Miller, Mrs Cummings said that she was forced to sign the undertaking. “ Why did you marry a man who was forcing you to sign a document?” asked Mr Miller. Mrs Cummings: I don’t know. I loved him.

Cummings denied that he had been persistently cruel to his wife, and said that ho had struck her on only three occasions, and that was with his open hand.

Explaining the document, he said that his wife’s parents objected to the marriage, and added:— “ My wife told me that by signing it she would prove to me that she was not marrying me for my money.” Cummings declared that the document was mutually agreed on. Mr Nichols: Did you give her an undertaking not to nag, annoy, or be suspicious of her!' Cummings; No, it was not necessary for me. It is not rny way.

A separation order was granted. Cummings was ordered to pay his wife £2 Ter week and to pay £7 7s costs.